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Rachel's Folly
Rachel Richards’ ideal life is about to come undone. It’s the week of Rachel’s best friend’s wedding. Her fiancé is a mysterious man named Jack, who seems to have no family or friends. After a night of drinking goes awry, Rachel is forced to face a dark part of herself she didn’t know existed. What started as a horrible mistake turns into a suspenseful mystery as pieces of Jack’s past start falling into place, and Rachel’s life hangs in the balance. Told from three unique perspectives—a heroine, a brother, and a vigilante—and set against the backdrop of Austin, Texas, Rachel’s Folly is a suspenseful thriller that explores profound loss, morality, and the lengths to which we will go to keep our darkest secrets.
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
74 people are currently reading
1594 people want to read
About the author
Monica Bruno
10 books47 followersMonica Bruno is an avid runner, dedicated yogi and indie rock music fan. She lives in Austin, TX with her family and two dogs. RACHEL'S FOLLY is her debut novel. She’s currently working on a sequel entitled REPRISAL. Visit Monica Bruno’s website at monica-bruno.com for updates, insights, upcoming book signings and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 16, 2015
Rachel's Folly is a brilliant debut novel from an exceptionally talented new author.
I loved the way the book was structured into three different points of view that followed on from each other. It all starts off with Rachel whose best friend Elena is about to get married to Jack. Something happens between Rachel and Jack that leaves Rachel bewildered and struggling to cope with everyday life and that is affecting her marriage to Edward, her relationship with Elena and with her brother Ben. Rachel's POV ends with a bombshell I had not expected. Ben's voice is the second point of view. As he is trying to work out exactly what happened, the suspense builds, and there were some very emotional scenes as well, especially with Rachel's son Jacob. Ben is fighting his own demons: his failed relationship with his partner Paul and his awkward tie with his eccentric mother as well as a lot of guilt about how he reacted to Rachel. At the end of Ben's POV, I was actually shouting at my Kindle, I had become so emotionally involved.
The final point of view is Sara's. Sara was a client of Rachel's in her family therapy practice, and she becomes involved due to her own difficult past.
Rachel's Folly gripped my attention right from the start and because I had absolutely no idea where this book was heading, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I love it when an author can surprise me with the plot, and this one had some really unexpected twists. It was full of suspense, mystery, intense feelings and even a good bit of vigilante action. Because of the unique points of views, you really got to know the characters of Rachel, Ben and Sara intimately and felt connected to their stories. A really astonishing, well written debut, and I am eagerly anticipating Monica Bruno's sequel "Reprisal". Highly recommended!
I received a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
I loved the way the book was structured into three different points of view that followed on from each other. It all starts off with Rachel whose best friend Elena is about to get married to Jack. Something happens between Rachel and Jack that leaves Rachel bewildered and struggling to cope with everyday life and that is affecting her marriage to Edward, her relationship with Elena and with her brother Ben. Rachel's POV ends with a bombshell I had not expected. Ben's voice is the second point of view. As he is trying to work out exactly what happened, the suspense builds, and there were some very emotional scenes as well, especially with Rachel's son Jacob. Ben is fighting his own demons: his failed relationship with his partner Paul and his awkward tie with his eccentric mother as well as a lot of guilt about how he reacted to Rachel. At the end of Ben's POV, I was actually shouting at my Kindle, I had become so emotionally involved.
The final point of view is Sara's. Sara was a client of Rachel's in her family therapy practice, and she becomes involved due to her own difficult past.
Rachel's Folly gripped my attention right from the start and because I had absolutely no idea where this book was heading, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I love it when an author can surprise me with the plot, and this one had some really unexpected twists. It was full of suspense, mystery, intense feelings and even a good bit of vigilante action. Because of the unique points of views, you really got to know the characters of Rachel, Ben and Sara intimately and felt connected to their stories. A really astonishing, well written debut, and I am eagerly anticipating Monica Bruno's sequel "Reprisal". Highly recommended!
I received a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 30, 2015
This is basically a literary equivalent of a Lifetime movie, something like a soft thriller. Not quite chicklit but oh so close. A woman who has it all inexplicably cheats one night and her ten minutes of moral weakness set in motion an entire plot. You know who did what and most turns are seen from a mile away, but the author did manage to throw a curveball or two, which coupled with decent writing saves the book from being utter crap, making it instead just readable enough. Fast paced, relatively short and a very quick read. Apparently an unnecessary sequel is in the works too. Way of the world.
January 19, 2020
It's become a cliché for readers to say "I could not put that book down," but in this case I really could not put this book down. In Rachel's Folly, her exciting debut novel, author Monica Bruno surprises her readers with two shocking revelations to drive her story about betrayal and its aftermath. To her credit, Rachel's Folly is almost entirely free of grammatical and typographical errors. It shows that Ms. Bruno has pride in her work and respect for her readers, which is rare among many new or indie authors I've encountered. Although a disappointing ending prevented me from awarding Rachel's Folly five stars, Ms. Bruno is apparently at work on a sequel, and I look forward to see what she has in store for us.
January 9, 2014
I really enjoyed the book. I received it as an ARC a while ago. The characters, the plot, and the writing style were all equally as good as the other. There is a lot of suspense and mystery here. It is one of those things where you read a semi short book (140 on my Kindle) and want to scream "YES read it now" This is where the problem is; I think some things are a little disconnected. To be very honest as a blogger you get ARC's and most of the time there is not cover and it is a sort of "work in progress" I am reading and blogging for a while and to be as honest as I can be if I saw the book cover and the title I wouldn't bother. So I have to find a way to ask people to see beyond it and read the book. Sometimes I am right and sometimes I am not.
The way the author split the book up so there is 3 POV was pretty interesting. I liked Rachel's brother the best. The author did a wonderful job of adding a gay male to the story. That character was the one that really spoke to me. He was so supportive of his sister. He is the brother that listens and doesn't judge, for that I was smitten.
I did enjoy the book and I wish the author success.
The way the author split the book up so there is 3 POV was pretty interesting. I liked Rachel's brother the best. The author did a wonderful job of adding a gay male to the story. That character was the one that really spoke to me. He was so supportive of his sister. He is the brother that listens and doesn't judge, for that I was smitten.
I did enjoy the book and I wish the author success.
May 4, 2014
This book had me hooked. It was a fairly quick read, which I appreciate. It has enough depth of story to hold your attention without droning on.
I liked the unique way this book told the story from the perspective of three different characters. Though the story line was maybe a little cliche at times, I still found myself thinking about this book even after I finished reading it.
Definitely a book to add to your to-read list.
*Goodreads giveaway book
I liked the unique way this book told the story from the perspective of three different characters. Though the story line was maybe a little cliche at times, I still found myself thinking about this book even after I finished reading it.
Definitely a book to add to your to-read list.
*Goodreads giveaway book
September 15, 2018
I won this through Goodreads giveaway. I am sad it took me so long to get to it. It was a quick read. I enjoyed its three perspectives. However, Rachel's section was my least favorite. My jaw dropped when Ben's section started. I would recommend this to other readers and look forward to other books by the author.
December 24, 2015
I could not put this book down. The ending was bittersweet and glad the schmuck got his.
February 7, 2014
Rachel’s Folly: Monica Bruno
Within the minds of many there are fears, hopes and needs. Sometimes many will act foolishly and show a strong lack of good sense of judgment causing them to commit an act that they would normally never do. Rachel Richards spends an evening with the husband of a friend and has too much to drink. Knowing that this man was going to marry her best friend should have deterred her from doing what seemed to come natural to both. Liquor can make you do many things and within this intricately crafted plot titled “Rachel’s Folly,” she is not the only voice we hear nor is she the only one that commits a senseless act. Lies, betrayals, revenge, despair, depression and hate are just some of the issues the author brings to light when two people decide to commit on act and one woman’s life becomes a tangled web that no one can unwind.
Nightmares, dreams, visions of what happened and depression set in as Rachel comes to grips with what she does but can she forgive herself for this indiscretion? But, guilt, fear of being found out and the thought that her best friend was going to marry a man who seemed to have a checkered past but what exactly was he hiding was unknown, Rachel ventures out to tell Elena but does not. With her brother, Ben coming off of a broken relationship with his male partner, and her son Jacob so attached to him, her trust in her brother out wins her telling her friend and the end result will surprise you. The reaction she gets from her brother is not what she expects and the words spoken between them cannot be taken back.
One moment of passion and many lives are changed as Rachel copes with her guilt and what happens next is another voice that relates his feelings and the story continues. Jack Spencer is a man of many faces and when approached by Ben to come clean with his actions he denies them. The mystery surrounds what happens between Ben and Jack, the evil that comes through as you hear his sneers, his voice and his sinister grin as bad things happen but to whom you won’t believe and the end result is shocking.
Author Monica Bruno takes readers inside the minds of both Rachel and Ben as Ben’s boyfriend Paul comes back into his life and he has to decide whether to allow him into his heart again. Monica Bruno’s writing style makes the reader feel as if each character is speaking directly to them as they take you along on their downward rides before the crash landing at the end. Edward Richards, Rachel’s husband has no idea why she is so depressed nor any idea what happened between her and Jack. Drinking too much and then having an affair with another man if the truth is revealed will he forgive her? What about Elena? But, Rachel has a conscience and cannot seem to live with herself unless she repents you might say or confesses to her sins.
Sara Dishner is Rachel’s patient. Rachel is a family therapist. When Sara relates information about her relationship with a man named James and shows Rachel his photo it sets off more than just fire alarms, gongs and loud whistles as another harsh reality comes to light. But, Sara is naïve and has no idea who this married man is that she is having an affair with. A cover so haunting you will see it when you close your eyes as the face is compelling the earring quite memorable and the back cover shows the fate of the second one. A present given to Rachel from Elena and a friendship that would be shattered.
Next, we hear Sara’s voice as she decides to take control of her life but not in the way you’d expect. Revenge is sometimes sweet but closure does not always allow you to free yourself of your burden of guilt. Not wanting her parents to learn about what she has done nor her efforts to take matters into her own hands, she befriends Ben but not before another twist in the plot takes place.
Just how far will someone go to avenge their guilt? Just how overpowering is this guilt that it consumes your every waking hour and might ruin not only your life but your family’s too. How can a brother turn on his sister knowing that she needed his support? Just what guilt does Ben bear as the final outcomes are revealed and the plot takes an unusual turn.
Ben’s dog Homer is precious and plays a special role in this story as he loves little Jacob his nephew. The closeness between them spills over in many scenes and the many different voices that we hear including Ben’s and his ex-partner’s Paul, are quite compelling.
Character flaws, character personalities that change from start to finish, psychological and almost a gas-lighting effect as the fate of so many is made to look as if it never happened and the truth behind the events imagined. The author ties all three characters together but not in the way you think. Rachel and Sara having an affair. Each one dealing with it in a different way. One seeking absolution and forgiveness within herself first and the other seeking revenge. While Ben faces his own demons, past and has to decide whether to allow Paul to remain in his home, his heart is just start afresh.
Creating your own portrait of how you want you life to be pictured sometimes requires refinishing before the canvas is completed. Three faces: Rachel, Ben and Sara each one taking one third of the canvas and each one with their own story told in a special narrative created by this talented author. When the canvas is completed and Rachel’s third is filled in we see Edward her husband, Jacob her son, Rachel and a dark shadow that seems to have overtaken her face. With Ben we see Homer, his dog, his apartment and his writing. Finally, Sara her face, her anger, her job as a vet’s assistant and a dark shadow that overtakes her face as her persona becomes quite apparent. Anger, revenge, guilt, fear and hate can be seen in her face almost like what happened to the portrait of Dorian Gray before his end. Jack might take up another quadrant if the portrait is divided in four. Within his quadrant you would see the computer salesman, his smooth smile, his perfect attire, Elena, their wedding, both Rachel and Sara on opposite sides. But, hanging over his head a dark ring filled deceit, lies, hate and manipulation.
When the final pieces of the portrait are in place and the picture is hung up just whose face defines the word Folly and is responsible for what lies beneath the pages of this intense, well written and frightening true to life novel? How far would anyone go to have one quick fling? Would you be able to handle it? Would you wonder if you might be found out? Read Rachel’s story, then Ben’s and finally Sara’s. You decide! If anyone thinking of having an affair you might think more than must twice about doing it after reading this novel. For teens that get mixed up with older men or married men, this will convince you to rethink your options and use your common sense.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Within the minds of many there are fears, hopes and needs. Sometimes many will act foolishly and show a strong lack of good sense of judgment causing them to commit an act that they would normally never do. Rachel Richards spends an evening with the husband of a friend and has too much to drink. Knowing that this man was going to marry her best friend should have deterred her from doing what seemed to come natural to both. Liquor can make you do many things and within this intricately crafted plot titled “Rachel’s Folly,” she is not the only voice we hear nor is she the only one that commits a senseless act. Lies, betrayals, revenge, despair, depression and hate are just some of the issues the author brings to light when two people decide to commit on act and one woman’s life becomes a tangled web that no one can unwind.
Nightmares, dreams, visions of what happened and depression set in as Rachel comes to grips with what she does but can she forgive herself for this indiscretion? But, guilt, fear of being found out and the thought that her best friend was going to marry a man who seemed to have a checkered past but what exactly was he hiding was unknown, Rachel ventures out to tell Elena but does not. With her brother, Ben coming off of a broken relationship with his male partner, and her son Jacob so attached to him, her trust in her brother out wins her telling her friend and the end result will surprise you. The reaction she gets from her brother is not what she expects and the words spoken between them cannot be taken back.
One moment of passion and many lives are changed as Rachel copes with her guilt and what happens next is another voice that relates his feelings and the story continues. Jack Spencer is a man of many faces and when approached by Ben to come clean with his actions he denies them. The mystery surrounds what happens between Ben and Jack, the evil that comes through as you hear his sneers, his voice and his sinister grin as bad things happen but to whom you won’t believe and the end result is shocking.
Author Monica Bruno takes readers inside the minds of both Rachel and Ben as Ben’s boyfriend Paul comes back into his life and he has to decide whether to allow him into his heart again. Monica Bruno’s writing style makes the reader feel as if each character is speaking directly to them as they take you along on their downward rides before the crash landing at the end. Edward Richards, Rachel’s husband has no idea why she is so depressed nor any idea what happened between her and Jack. Drinking too much and then having an affair with another man if the truth is revealed will he forgive her? What about Elena? But, Rachel has a conscience and cannot seem to live with herself unless she repents you might say or confesses to her sins.
Sara Dishner is Rachel’s patient. Rachel is a family therapist. When Sara relates information about her relationship with a man named James and shows Rachel his photo it sets off more than just fire alarms, gongs and loud whistles as another harsh reality comes to light. But, Sara is naïve and has no idea who this married man is that she is having an affair with. A cover so haunting you will see it when you close your eyes as the face is compelling the earring quite memorable and the back cover shows the fate of the second one. A present given to Rachel from Elena and a friendship that would be shattered.
Next, we hear Sara’s voice as she decides to take control of her life but not in the way you’d expect. Revenge is sometimes sweet but closure does not always allow you to free yourself of your burden of guilt. Not wanting her parents to learn about what she has done nor her efforts to take matters into her own hands, she befriends Ben but not before another twist in the plot takes place.
Just how far will someone go to avenge their guilt? Just how overpowering is this guilt that it consumes your every waking hour and might ruin not only your life but your family’s too. How can a brother turn on his sister knowing that she needed his support? Just what guilt does Ben bear as the final outcomes are revealed and the plot takes an unusual turn.
Ben’s dog Homer is precious and plays a special role in this story as he loves little Jacob his nephew. The closeness between them spills over in many scenes and the many different voices that we hear including Ben’s and his ex-partner’s Paul, are quite compelling.
Character flaws, character personalities that change from start to finish, psychological and almost a gas-lighting effect as the fate of so many is made to look as if it never happened and the truth behind the events imagined. The author ties all three characters together but not in the way you think. Rachel and Sara having an affair. Each one dealing with it in a different way. One seeking absolution and forgiveness within herself first and the other seeking revenge. While Ben faces his own demons, past and has to decide whether to allow Paul to remain in his home, his heart is just start afresh.
Creating your own portrait of how you want you life to be pictured sometimes requires refinishing before the canvas is completed. Three faces: Rachel, Ben and Sara each one taking one third of the canvas and each one with their own story told in a special narrative created by this talented author. When the canvas is completed and Rachel’s third is filled in we see Edward her husband, Jacob her son, Rachel and a dark shadow that seems to have overtaken her face. With Ben we see Homer, his dog, his apartment and his writing. Finally, Sara her face, her anger, her job as a vet’s assistant and a dark shadow that overtakes her face as her persona becomes quite apparent. Anger, revenge, guilt, fear and hate can be seen in her face almost like what happened to the portrait of Dorian Gray before his end. Jack might take up another quadrant if the portrait is divided in four. Within his quadrant you would see the computer salesman, his smooth smile, his perfect attire, Elena, their wedding, both Rachel and Sara on opposite sides. But, hanging over his head a dark ring filled deceit, lies, hate and manipulation.
When the final pieces of the portrait are in place and the picture is hung up just whose face defines the word Folly and is responsible for what lies beneath the pages of this intense, well written and frightening true to life novel? How far would anyone go to have one quick fling? Would you be able to handle it? Would you wonder if you might be found out? Read Rachel’s story, then Ben’s and finally Sara’s. You decide! If anyone thinking of having an affair you might think more than must twice about doing it after reading this novel. For teens that get mixed up with older men or married men, this will convince you to rethink your options and use your common sense.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
February 25, 2015
(3.5 stars)
Monica Bruno’s debut novel, RACHEL’S FOLLY, plunges us right away into the psychological battle and physical dangers that ensue when a relatable character commits the unthinkable. A happily married family therapist and mother of one, Rachel spontaneously has a one-night stand with her best friend’s fiancé, a man she barely knows. As the novel opens on this scene, we are introduced to Rachel’s humanness immediately. We’re told in the book blurb that “Rachel has the perfect life,” so of course the reader is asking WHY? throughout the book. Monica doesn’t hand us the tools to condemn or exonerate Rachel, but instead lets us vulnerably into Rachel’s head as she navigates the sudden complications in her life, including the effects on her marriage and her work, and the dark mysteries surrounding her one-time lover, Jack.
The uniqueness of three different vantage points, that of Rachel, her brother Ben and her patient Sarah, compels the reader forward in the quest to grapple with the consequences of an extramarital fling with a stranger. Each of the three narrators has different views on the importance and treatment of “truth.” Each must face the danger that comes with learning more about Jack. RACHEL’S FOLLY is fast-paced and thrilling as more of Jack’s character comes to light. The more we learn about him, the more in the dark we are led, and the novel leaves us with an ominous feeling that there is still more we don’t know, about Jack and about the ripple effects of one bad decision. I look forward to Monica’s sequel, REPRISAL!
Monica Bruno’s debut novel, RACHEL’S FOLLY, plunges us right away into the psychological battle and physical dangers that ensue when a relatable character commits the unthinkable. A happily married family therapist and mother of one, Rachel spontaneously has a one-night stand with her best friend’s fiancé, a man she barely knows. As the novel opens on this scene, we are introduced to Rachel’s humanness immediately. We’re told in the book blurb that “Rachel has the perfect life,” so of course the reader is asking WHY? throughout the book. Monica doesn’t hand us the tools to condemn or exonerate Rachel, but instead lets us vulnerably into Rachel’s head as she navigates the sudden complications in her life, including the effects on her marriage and her work, and the dark mysteries surrounding her one-time lover, Jack.
The uniqueness of three different vantage points, that of Rachel, her brother Ben and her patient Sarah, compels the reader forward in the quest to grapple with the consequences of an extramarital fling with a stranger. Each of the three narrators has different views on the importance and treatment of “truth.” Each must face the danger that comes with learning more about Jack. RACHEL’S FOLLY is fast-paced and thrilling as more of Jack’s character comes to light. The more we learn about him, the more in the dark we are led, and the novel leaves us with an ominous feeling that there is still more we don’t know, about Jack and about the ripple effects of one bad decision. I look forward to Monica’s sequel, REPRISAL!
February 18, 2014
I rarely regurgitate the book blurb and certainly do not give away the plot of the book and I am not going to start now. With that being said, just how do you even begin to describe this RACHEL’S FOLLEY. It’s strange, fascinating, mysterious, suspenseful. Those words are a beginning, but the book is so much more. There’s adultery, innocence, friendship, betrayal, and death.
I love the way Monica Bruno wrote from different prospectives, which is a favorite of mine. It was a nice change of pace. You are reading and becoming immersed in the story and then turn the page only to have it end and picked up by the next person. You think you know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen and then the story begins again and you are left thinking, “Maybe that’s not going to happen.”
It was truly a delight to read and I am looking forward to more books by this author. I found no grammatical errors and the characters and storyline were all very well thought out and executed. She allows us time with each character and we truly get to know the person, where they come from and how they got to the place they are today.
I cannot wait to read the follow-up book, because this one, folks, will leave you hanging. I’ve included the first three pages of the book just to taunt you into reading Rachel’s Folly. This book definitely gets a 5 star rating.
read more at www.mylifeonestoryatatime.com I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love the way Monica Bruno wrote from different prospectives, which is a favorite of mine. It was a nice change of pace. You are reading and becoming immersed in the story and then turn the page only to have it end and picked up by the next person. You think you know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen and then the story begins again and you are left thinking, “Maybe that’s not going to happen.”
It was truly a delight to read and I am looking forward to more books by this author. I found no grammatical errors and the characters and storyline were all very well thought out and executed. She allows us time with each character and we truly get to know the person, where they come from and how they got to the place they are today.
I cannot wait to read the follow-up book, because this one, folks, will leave you hanging. I’ve included the first three pages of the book just to taunt you into reading Rachel’s Folly. This book definitely gets a 5 star rating.
read more at www.mylifeonestoryatatime.com I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2015
I got this for my honest review.
Interesting, quick, mysterious read taken from 3 view points.
First we get Rachels story. Its rather heart wrenching as she makes a mistake and we get to read how keeping it a secret takes a toll on her. When Rachel is starting to unravel who exactly Jack is her story comes to an end and we pick up with her brother putting the pieces together and figuring out what actually happened to Rachel. As Ben ( the brother) starts unravelling the clues and meets another character Sara ( who happens to be a patient of Rachel’s) something happens to him which puts his life at risk. Finally we switch to Sara’s point of view. Who ends up being the closer. The one to put Jack in his place ( so to speak) .
This one man and this mistake affected so many lives in this story and it was interesting ( at least to me) to see not only how the main characters were affected but also everyone around them. From Rachel’s relationship with her husband ,her son and her best friend. To Ben and his relationship with his mother.
Such a sad heart wrenching mysterious story. It drew me in a kept a hold of me because I wanted to know how it all tied together and ended. It was a quick read ( at least for me)
Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
April 6, 2015
I found this to be an intensely gripping and quite moving book to read and also quite well done for a debut novel.
The beginning was just a little rough to me. I had a hard time distinguishing who was who as the book just seemed to jump right into the middle of a scene. I felt that there could have been a few pages added to the beginning of the book to kind of set the stage and better introduce the characters. After that though, all I have to say is superb job Ms. Bruno!
The writing was well done and the plot was well thought out. I absolutely loved the unique, rotating POV's that are in Rachel's Folly; you will read 3 parts of the book from 3 different characters. I have never seen anything like that before and it worked out so well. The characters themselves were wonderfully imagined and added the right amount of good, bad and ugly to the book.
What a thrilling and fantastic debut novel from a very talented, new author. I highly recommend this to everyone. It will consume and shock you until you turn the very last page.
The beginning was just a little rough to me. I had a hard time distinguishing who was who as the book just seemed to jump right into the middle of a scene. I felt that there could have been a few pages added to the beginning of the book to kind of set the stage and better introduce the characters. After that though, all I have to say is superb job Ms. Bruno!
The writing was well done and the plot was well thought out. I absolutely loved the unique, rotating POV's that are in Rachel's Folly; you will read 3 parts of the book from 3 different characters. I have never seen anything like that before and it worked out so well. The characters themselves were wonderfully imagined and added the right amount of good, bad and ugly to the book.
What a thrilling and fantastic debut novel from a very talented, new author. I highly recommend this to everyone. It will consume and shock you until you turn the very last page.
January 17, 2014
Rachel is a family counselor. She cares deeply for the people she tries to help.
On her way home from the rehearsal dinner of her best friend, Rachel and the future groom, Jack, flirt with each other and when they arrive at Rachel's home they have a romantic lesion.
We can see what a moral person Rachel is and how devastated she is at the betrayal of her best friend.
She feels that she has to tell her friend and beg forgiveness.
The author does a good job in relating to the reader how one mistake can change a person's life.
The story is told from three points of view, Rachel, her brother, Ben and Sarah, one of Rachel's patients.
I found the story very readable but don't want to give away important plot features. There is good character development and good suspense.
On her way home from the rehearsal dinner of her best friend, Rachel and the future groom, Jack, flirt with each other and when they arrive at Rachel's home they have a romantic lesion.
We can see what a moral person Rachel is and how devastated she is at the betrayal of her best friend.
She feels that she has to tell her friend and beg forgiveness.
The author does a good job in relating to the reader how one mistake can change a person's life.
The story is told from three points of view, Rachel, her brother, Ben and Sarah, one of Rachel's patients.
I found the story very readable but don't want to give away important plot features. There is good character development and good suspense.
April 6, 2015
Rachel's Folly is a story filled with suspense. Rachel has the perfect life but one stupid night, one mistake could change that. Rachel's best friend is marrying a mystery man, Jack. He has no friends or family around which seems strange. As this book unfolds and we learn more of Jack's secrets things get more complicated and Rachel's perfect life hangs in the balance.
This is a great quick read. I love that you get three different perspectives, Rachel's, Ben (Rachel's Brother) and Sara (Rachel's patient turned vigilante). I really enjoyed all the suspense and had to keep reading to find out how this story ended. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a thriller full of twists and turns.
April 17, 2015
Wow! I didn't see any of that coming. I expected the "norm" to happen. You know when you are watching a scary movie and you call what's going to happen 3 scenes ahead of it happening. It's predictable and disappointing. Not this book! I was shocked and shocked again. I have never read a book that changed like this one did and I loved it. The characters were well developed and I didn't find myself skipping over boring information that I didn't find relevant as I do in some books. If anything I caught myself wanting to skip to get to the next reveal but made myself slow down and take in all of the details.
The book moved along quickly and I couldn't put it down. I read the entire book in one day. I wasn't going to stop until I knew what happened.
Great read, highly recommend it!
The book moved along quickly and I couldn't put it down. I read the entire book in one day. I wasn't going to stop until I knew what happened.
Great read, highly recommend it!
April 12, 2015
Rachel's Folly is a suspenseful mystery story. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book. The way I thought the story would go, was not what happened. In fact, I didn't see any of that coming...WOW. Rachel's Folly is jam-packed with so many twist and turns it leaves you wanting more!!! I LOVED all the surprises that took place in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book from three different point of views. It allows the reader to actually see and feel what the characters are going through. I have a feeling we have not seen the last of the mysterious character in Rachel's Folly. I see revenge in the horizon.
I can not wait to read more from Monica Bruno. This book was so good!!
I can not wait to read more from Monica Bruno. This book was so good!!
May 8, 2015
I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
At first I was skeptical, as I am with any psychological thriller. Will I see what's coming before it happens? No. I didn't. Was the actions the characters took believable? Yes. Yes they were.
I can't say too much about this book without ruining it with spoilers. But know this. I REALLY want to talk about it!
The characters are very believable. The story isn't predictable. You can read about something happening, and then go back and understand why they took the actions they took without any trouble connecting it with the character.
It's everything you would want in a psychological thriller, with none of the nasty shortcomings that tend to sneak into the story.
At first I was skeptical, as I am with any psychological thriller. Will I see what's coming before it happens? No. I didn't. Was the actions the characters took believable? Yes. Yes they were.
I can't say too much about this book without ruining it with spoilers. But know this. I REALLY want to talk about it!
The characters are very believable. The story isn't predictable. You can read about something happening, and then go back and understand why they took the actions they took without any trouble connecting it with the character.
It's everything you would want in a psychological thriller, with none of the nasty shortcomings that tend to sneak into the story.
May 22, 2015
A mystery I won't soon forget., May 6, 2015
This story demanded my attention & ensured I did not put it down until the very last page. Although the beginning had me envisioning a completely different outcome there were loads of twists that I did not expect. Suspense, emotion, drama, & intrigue. As the other characters came out to play I felt like I was thrown into a game of Clue working through the betrayals, seduction, & lies to allow the truth to fly free. The evidence gathering was eye openings for sure. Dish is now one of my favorite bad@$$ characters. Oh, I do love a good mystery, especially a well written one!
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
This story demanded my attention & ensured I did not put it down until the very last page. Although the beginning had me envisioning a completely different outcome there were loads of twists that I did not expect. Suspense, emotion, drama, & intrigue. As the other characters came out to play I felt like I was thrown into a game of Clue working through the betrayals, seduction, & lies to allow the truth to fly free. The evidence gathering was eye openings for sure. Dish is now one of my favorite bad@$$ characters. Oh, I do love a good mystery, especially a well written one!
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
July 10, 2015
I really don't understand the hype this book is getting so here is my opinion.
This book had GREAT potential. The concept is incredibly interesting, however the author fell flat in her execution of the storyline. The resolution was lacking in depth. Additionally, the writing was mediocre, you could clearly tell that this is a first time author. I feel like this book has been highly regarded because it starts out so strong that it makes the reader want to just know the ending, but the actual conclusion is less than satisfactory.
This book had GREAT potential. The concept is incredibly interesting, however the author fell flat in her execution of the storyline. The resolution was lacking in depth. Additionally, the writing was mediocre, you could clearly tell that this is a first time author. I feel like this book has been highly regarded because it starts out so strong that it makes the reader want to just know the ending, but the actual conclusion is less than satisfactory.
December 29, 2015
AMAZING BOOK!!
This book is fantastic. If you love suspenseful books that leave you guessing as to what happens next, then this is the book for you. It's starts out with Rachel getting a ride home with her best friend's fiance, Jack. From there on, the story quickly builds and doesn't let you go until the end. This apparently Mrs. Bruno's debut book and I have to say, WELL DONE!! It's very well written and no grammatical errors at all. I look forward to more books from this author.
This book is fantastic. If you love suspenseful books that leave you guessing as to what happens next, then this is the book for you. It's starts out with Rachel getting a ride home with her best friend's fiance, Jack. From there on, the story quickly builds and doesn't let you go until the end. This apparently Mrs. Bruno's debut book and I have to say, WELL DONE!! It's very well written and no grammatical errors at all. I look forward to more books from this author.
August 1, 2015
I received this book through the goodreads firstreads program. The book is about a woman, Rachel, who overindulges and has sex with her best friend's fiance, just a couple of days before the wedding. After that , she is wrought with so much guilt, she has trouble focusing on her life and her therapy clients.
The book is short, but really packed and pretty good! I would have added another twist that I expected, but I'm not a writer ;)
The book is short, but really packed and pretty good! I would have added another twist that I expected, but I'm not a writer ;)
May 12, 2015
Mystery is not my usual genre but this book pulled me in and kept me engaged, a real page turner.
I went from not really liking some of the characters and then they had me by the heartstrings.
Cannot believe this was a debut novel it was just so good.
Throw in a dog and a puppy just to hook me even more.
My recommendation is don't miss this one.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway, so glad I did, Thanks Monica and Goodreads!
I went from not really liking some of the characters and then they had me by the heartstrings.
Cannot believe this was a debut novel it was just so good.
Throw in a dog and a puppy just to hook me even more.
My recommendation is don't miss this one.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway, so glad I did, Thanks Monica and Goodreads!
May 13, 2015
This book had me captivated from beginning to end. The story and characters and story are well developed and depicted. The books flows smoothly and is a quick read. I really enjoyed the book. I loved the characters.
I love how as the story progresses you get to know the characters better. The book is intense from the beginning. A little too much alcohol, clouded judgment and ten minutes can turn someone's life upside down. I cant wait until Monica's next book comes out.
I love how as the story progresses you get to know the characters better. The book is intense from the beginning. A little too much alcohol, clouded judgment and ten minutes can turn someone's life upside down. I cant wait until Monica's next book comes out.
June 11, 2014
This is not my usual kind of book but I had won it in a giveaway. A little off putting and slow start for me ,in the beginning, but then she hits you with a twist you don't suspect. You see how she intertwines the relationships and how it all unravels. The dark suspense had me on my seat and couldn't put it down!
December 24, 2015
Good read
Until the very end of the 'Rachel' portion I was beginning to think this was a relationship drama instead of a mystery and was thinking of going on to another book. I am so glad I didn't. Very well written, compelling characters and story line. Looking forward to more from this author. Hard to believe this is her first.
Until the very end of the 'Rachel' portion I was beginning to think this was a relationship drama instead of a mystery and was thinking of going on to another book. I am so glad I didn't. Very well written, compelling characters and story line. Looking forward to more from this author. Hard to believe this is her first.
May 14, 2015
Holy twists and turns!!!
This well written page turner shows how one person can mess up so many lives. But when one of the people start putting the pieces together what will the evil one do to keep their secrets safe?? This is a must read!!!
This well written page turner shows how one person can mess up so many lives. But when one of the people start putting the pieces together what will the evil one do to keep their secrets safe?? This is a must read!!!
May 14, 2015
This well written page turner shows how one person can mess up so many lives. But when one of the people start putting the pieces together what will the evil one do to keep their secrets safe?? This is a must read!!!
December 25, 2015
What an excellent treat
This book was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. It is definitely a page turner with several twist that keeps you on I toes. Very well written and the characters seem to come to life.
This book was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. It is definitely a page turner with several twist that keeps you on I toes. Very well written and the characters seem to come to life.
January 3, 2016
Very interesting story with some surprises! The writing style was a little stilted with inconsequential details, but Rachel's Folly is a debut novel, and I am sure the writing will become more fluid. Good start!
February 13, 2016
I was impressed. This was a quick read, simply because I just had to know what happened next. The twist of Rachel dying caught me off guard, up to that point I wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel about the book. It made the whole thing more interesting.
Definitely check it out.
Definitely check it out.
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